Cataloging the journey from womanhood to motherhood – and straining to maintain my status as both!

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Monthly Archives: July 2011

Not gonna lie, even looking back through these pictures it occurs to me: that wasn’t easy. Three girls across the spectrum of ages — a pre-teen, a toddler and an almost three-month old infant. Learned a lot from shooting them, though. Everyone needs to have a snack or at least a full tummy and coordinating outfits/planning ahead DOES make good sense. If given the chance, I’d definitely do a lot of things differently on my end. Thankfully the kids are cute — so that made the event not suck in the end.

My best friend from waaaaayyy back was in town in June and I took photos of her girls then. These are just a few that I’ve mulled through this far. More to come, of course, some random Friday night down the road when I sit and do this again…until then, Alivia, Stella and Amelia.

This was my first hospital visit to see a baby since, well, probably my 23-year-old brother was born! It was good to see what I’m in for in just 11 short weeks (well, 11 weeks now…I’m a bit delayed in photo updates). The cool thing I’ve discovered tonight are these gallery settings. I’m going to try out the slideshow on this one…why not, right?!

Ok, the insurance debacle is one that we all struggle with. Isn’t it confusing trying to determine what’s covered, what’s not, what you pay, what your employer pays and what the insurance company pays? Or what your doctor charges.

So, today I decided to look up how much more I had to pay toward the looming $5,000 out of pocket maximum that I’ve been dreading. We got a bill that exceeds our mortgage payment that we’re responsible for. Knew it was coming, but it still hurts to pay that.

Anyway, I start looking online at what my insurance covers, the deductible, the credit toward my out of pocket maximum, etc., and the new bills that I can expect to arrive soon. For $7 and $20. Weird, why aren’t they more? I was totally confused.

So, I called the UnitedHealthCare hotline. After getting miffed at the robot I was trying to get information out of (which actually gave me information), I asked to be transferred to a representative.

Keep in mind, I have done all this before. I had called, asked for how my coverage works, and repeated it back multiple times to be sure I understood. Today, I did the same thing. And, lo and behold, I’m ONLY RESPONSIBLE FOR 20% OF THE COSTS until I pay the $5K out of pocket.

Wait, huh? How did the rep several months ago let me believe that I would have to pay $5,000 before they would cover anything? How did this woman today explain it so well that I now understand that since I’ve reached my $1,500 deductible, that my insurance now covers 80% of this pregnancy and its needs…so that from here on out, if I rack up $5000 in charges, I’m still only obligated to pay $1,000?!

I just saved $4,000 (well, in my head).

I can’t explain what a relief this is and how mad I am at myself that I didn’t ask better questions/clarify sooner. The weight off my shoulders is huge and I can’t believe that we’ve now paid the ‘big bill’ of this pregnancy. Holy moly!!!

Baby Developments: Baby’s energy is surging, thanks to the formation of white fat deposits beneath the skin. Baby is also settling into sleep and waking cycles though they don’t necessarily coincide with your own. Also this month, all five senses are finally functional, and the brain and nervous system are going through major developments. She’s somewhere between 15-17 inches (probably on the longer side if I had to guess) and 2.5 – 4 pounds. If baby were born today, she’d be likely to survive without TONS of medical intervention.

Weight Gain: Currently, I’m up 6.6 pounds total this pregnancy and probably up around 10 pounds now. We’ll see next Friday when I head to the doctor.

Cravings: Water, lots of water. Not doing a great job getting all the water that I crave, but I also don’t necessarily enjoy sitting on the toilet peeing for 75% of my day.

Symptoms: Don’t get grossed out (this is where you skip to the next bold part if you simply don’t want to know): discharge. They say it’s normal and it’s nothing totally bizarre, but it is a recent development. I’m H-O-T hot ALL the time. I feel menopausal (couldn’t be further from that truth, huh?) I get so damn hot. Jon can’t handle riding in the car with me because I keep it so cold.

I am loving: lots of Minnie’s movements. Now’s the time when all the baby websites tell you to start keeping track of kicks…how long it takes to feel 10. I can tell a little more what’s going on in there — when she’s stretching (discomfort on my end), when she’s rolling (or attempting to) or just freaking herself out and being jumpy. Pretty cool. Haven’t been able to tell what appendages are what, but that’s coming quick I bet.

Sleep: Need a lot of it, get tired easily, like naps and can sleep for a long time. This is probably because I am up 5 times a night to go potty.

I miss: Feeling good about the thought of wearing a dress; having a closet full of clothes to choose from.

I am looking forward to: getting going on Minnie’s room. Jon insists it’ll happen — but he’s also begun painting the garage. I won’t get into it here, but suffice it to say that it’s a point of contention in our relationship these days. Also looking forward to Molly’s shower tomorrow and her shower at home on Thursday. Getting excited for my own showers on August 21 and September 17, too!

I am spazzing about: getting the nursery complete (see: started) and figuring out our insurance. Beyond that, I feel pretty much at ease.

Best moment of the week: arriving at HOME after being on the road for three days straight.

Milestones: Signed up for birthing class, infant care class and breastfeeding class. And Jon scheduled them all in his phone/calendar, too. Both are milestones.

Movement: Minnie still is a 10 p.m. ball of activity.

It’s a….: sweet baby girl!

Exercise: I wish.

Diet: See Exercise.

Boobs & Belly Button: Went bra shopping this week twice. I MAY need a 40 DD. I don’t know, need to measure. But these things are growing at a ridiculous pace. The belly button is still deep. When I wear shirts, you can see my belly button hole because it’s so deep, and it stretches across the middle of my shirt. But, it’s not as deep as it was…but it’s not in any danger right now of ‘popping’.

Goals for the upcoming week: Help Jon paint the garage and the bathroom so that those two items are done so we can get the nursery DONE. It’s seriously giving me palpitations the more days that pass. I wish that Jon WANTED to do this for me/him/the baby but that’s just not happening. I don’t know. That’s the only goal. Oh, and to get our insurance figured out.